The narrative follows the life of Adhar Babu, a frugal man who lives off his inherited wealth, and his wife, Nanibala, who finally gives birth to a son named Venugopal after years of despair. As Venugopal grows, Adhar Babu reluctantly begins to spend money on his education, hiring a tutor named Haralal, who comes from a poor background. Haralal and Venugopal quickly form a bond, with Haralal introducing the boy to literature and history, much to the dismay of Nanibala, who fears Haralal's influence. As time passes, Haralal's position becomes precarious due to a theft in Adhar Babu's household, leading to his dismissal. Despite the separation, Venugopal longs for Haralal's companionship. Haralal struggles to find work but eventually secures a position with a merchant firm, where he works diligently to support his mother. Tragedy strikes when Venugopal's mother dies, and their relationship rekindles, but Venugopal has changed, becoming more self-absorbed and ambitious. He expresses a desire to go to England to study law, but his father is unsupportive. Venugopal devises a plan to escape, intending to take money from Haralal's safe, believing he can repay it later. On the night of his departure, Venugopal steals a significant sum from Haralal, leaving behind a letter explaining his actions. Haralal, upon discovering the theft, is devastated and feels betrayed. He attempts to find Venugopal but is unsuccessful. The narrative culminates in Haralal facing accusations of complicity in the theft, leading to a crisis of identity and despair. Haralal's life spirals as he grapples with the loss of his former pupil and the burden of false accusations. He experiences a profound sense of helplessness and isolation in the bustling city of Calcutta. Ultimately, he finds himself in a state of existential reflection, contemplating his worth and the meaning of his struggles, culminating in a moment of surrender to despair as he loses consciousness, symbolizing his complete emotional and psychological breakdown.
By Rabindranath Tagore · First published 1918 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Social Commentary